ISTANBUL
The Turkish president reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to peace in Gaza, stating that the country will persist in its efforts "until we get results."
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked the Turkish people for their continued solidarity with Palestinians, saying that last week nearly half a million people demonstrating in Istanbul had shown that Gaza is not alone.
"On Jan. 1, our citizens sent a powerful message to the world, demonstrating Türkiye’s unwavering support for Palestine," he said.
Erdogan, especially for the people of Gaza, “who have been enduring one of the most barbaric genocides of the last century in front of the eyes of the whole world for the past 15 months,” wished that 2025 would be a year of cease-fire, peace, tranquility, and prosperity.
Stating that Türkiye has tried every possible way since day one to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Palestine, Erdogan said that they have been working with a full mobilization spirit, involving the Red Crescent, Turkish aid and disaster agency, civil society, and philanthropists, to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Türkiye has intensified its diplomatic contacts for urging the global community put more pressure on Israel, Erdogan said.
"After 61 years of Baath oppression and 13 years of massacres, just as faith, belief, and patience prevailed in Syria, God willing, justice will also prevail in Palestine, and the sun of justice will pierce through the darkness of oppression," Erdogan added.
He further stressed Türkiye’s long-term goal for Palestine, asserting: "An independent, sovereign Palestinian state with territorial integrity, based on the 1967 borders, and with East Jerusalem as its capital, will certainly be established."
Erdogan also called on the international community to support Palestinians and expressed hope that the new year would bring peace and relief to those suffering in Gaza.
Türkiye is doing "whatever it takes to open a door that will rekindle hopes for peace in Gaza," Erdogan said, adding that the country will continue its efforts until they bear fruit.
Counterterrorism and Syria
Pointing to the “epic revolution” in Syria, Erdogan stated that a new era has begun in both the country and the region.
"We see that the new Syrian administration is trying to build a Syria based on the country's territorial integrity and unity, and we observe its determination in this regard," he said.
“Our sincere desire, expectation, and policy align with this. Those who have sought to turn the conflict in Syria and the Daesh/ISIS threat into an opportunity and have entertained different fantasies now face the ancient realities of our region. The reality is that there is no place for terrorism in the future of this region,” he added.
Stating that Ankara has repeatedly demonstrated its unwavering determination to protect its survival and security, Erdogan said: “With Allah's permission, we have more than enough strength, capacity, and capability to do this. Everyone should calculate accordingly."
Türkiye has shown its firm commitment to its survival and security, said Erdogan, adding that if necessary – using one of his signature phrases – "We can come suddenly one night."
"The only fate awaiting those who prefer terror and violence is to be buried with their weapons," he said.
"Türkiye won’t accept Syria’s fragmentation or the disruption of its unitary structure,” said Erdogan, stressing that swift action will be taken if any risk arises.
Success of Türkiye’s defense industry
The Turkish leader said the defense sector’s turnover had risen nearly fifteen-fold over the years to $15.5 billion in 2023.
"We are among the world's leading countries in the production of UAVs, combat drones, electronic warfare systems, and warships. Our exports rose from $248 million in 2002 to $7.154 billion in 2024, up 29% from the previous year. We beat our 2024 target of $64.5 billion by 11%, setting a new record,” he added.
Ankara's defense industry investments are not meant to prepare for war, but to preserve and defend peace, independence, the future, and sovereignty, he added.
Pointing to the progress made in other projects including naval technology, he said the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) did takeoffs and landings on the TCG Anadolu without using support equipment, making it the first drone in history capable of taking off and landing from a short-runway ship.
On advances in air defense systems, he said that Türkiye has decided to both strengthen its stock of missiles with ranges of 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) and above and accelerate its missile development program with ranges of 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) and above.
"We will continue our work with determination, together with all stakeholders of our defense industry, for a Türkiye that instills confidence in its friends and fear in its enemies,” he added.
